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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Do you Pantone? I admit it. I am obsessed with the Pantone color of the year...each and every year. Do I do anything with this information? No. No I do not. I always tell myself I am going to do SOMETHING with the knowledge of the Pantone color of the year. I am going to design an entire line of patterns all done using the Pantone color of the year.

And I have good intentions of incorporating it into my life each year. I really do. Then...I do nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I sit and stare at the color on Pinterest and that's about it. I may even pine a little after the color. Still, nothing comes of it. Sometimes in March, I whisper to myself that I simply must incorporate it into my wardrobe. And...you guessed it. Nope! It's October before I remember that I don't own a single garment or accessory in the glorified color.

And just what is the Pantone color of 2015? So glad you asked. Marsala. Yes, you read that correctly. It's Marsala. I have no clue what Marsala is. I really don't.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®: "Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth." Ms. Eiseman, I mean no disrespect, however, Marsala seems to be the muddy cousin of Pomegranate. That doesn't mean I don't like it. I'm just saying that it strikes me as very "earthy" at first glance. I think I can work with this.

And for the curious crocheters and crafters now reading this, a history of Pantones.

Maybe, just maybe, 2015 will be different. Or not. I'm not much for trends to be honest. They are great in theory. It's just that I never quite catch on until the trend is about three years old. It's kind of sad. Ah well. I plan to go yarn hunting (after the holidays) for something in the Marsala color family. Or Pomegranate, because it's slightly more cheerful. And technically that still counts right?

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)

Got mocha? Perfect for personalizing your "cup of joe" - this cute coffee cozy adds a little flair to your drink! Create a quirky coffee cozy with my free crochet pattern for yourself, a friend or as a quick gift. This project is simple and easy and great for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxing crochet project. Make some in a variety of colors and color combinations to really personalize your coffee cozy creations. This simple cozy would make a nice teacher gift too, paired with a coffee gift card of course!

*Note: This coffee cozy was made to fit a 16 oz. cup but could be easily adapted to fit larger or smaller cups.

Bring It Together:
Using yarn and a yarn needle, sew the button onto the coffee cozy, approximately 2 inches in from edge on opposite side of button closure loop. This will make your coffee cozy fit snuggly on an average sized cardboard or Styrofoam 16 oz. coffee cup. (See image.)

Extras: The yarn I used tended to curl up so you may want to block this project when finished and before giving as a gift. Or use my shortcut: I saved a 16 oz. disposable coffee cup and used it as my form for the finished cozy. I put the cozy on the cup for a few days and that took out the kinks in the project, as the cup keeps the cozy on tight. Enjoy using or giving your finished coffee cozy!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)

Okay, confession time. This was one of the first patterns I designed as far as head gear. I think it turned out pretty well all things considered. And this was one of the first times I tried to photograph a person (namely me back in my short hair mode) wearing said pattern.

Looking back on the pattern (now that I am sharing it here on my blog since the rights have reverted to me) I have to say...not too shabby girl! The pattern works up nice and quick and the bobbles give it some texture to add a little interest. The Red Heart Shimmer yarn had just enough sparkle to make it holiday ready.

Sew Button on one end of your ear warmer. Make sure it is sewn onto the side with bobbles facing out. You have finished your adjustable Bobble Ear Warmer. Now try it on and button it at the most comfortable place for your head.

Sew Button on one end of your ear warmer. Make sure it is sewn onto the side with bobbles facing out. You have finished your adjustable Bobble Ear Warmer. Now try it on and button it at the most comfortable place for your head.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)

Do you have a Hogwarts fan that could use some warm hands? How about a Harry Potter buff needing relief from the chilly fall weather? I have just the thing to keep those hands warm and spirits high. Crochet a pair of Gryffindor Hand Warmers to show off your house pride and support your favorite Quidditch team. My free crochet pattern is simple and easy to work up and comes together in a nice tight pair of hand warmers. I designed this pattern to fit an adult hand, size medium to large. (They do fit my husband’s very large hands, although they are very tight on him.)

I had so much fun creating these hand warmers because first, I love Harry Potter, Hogwarts and wish I was a Gryffindor House member. And second, I loved how the bold red and gold stripes naturally formed from the Red Heart Team Spirit Yarn. You could easily use this pattern and Red Heart's other Team Spirit color variations to crochet a pair in your favorite sport team's colors.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
Getting ready for a workout or your favorite sport? Create your very own water bottle cozy to help you enjoy any sport or activity any time. Crochet a cozy to take on the go: while shopping, on vacation, playing your favorite sport, or any occasion.

Staying hydrated doesn’t get much cuter than a personalized water bottle cozy! Create one in any color with our free pattern. Enjoy your H2O in style! These also make fast and fun gifts or stocking stuffers!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
Crocheted jewelry always add a little bit of bohemian style to any outfit. Create your very own pair of crocheted earrings to coordinate with your outfit or crochet several pairs in different colors and color combinations to enjoy all year! These fun homemade earrings would also make a nice thank you or appreciation gift for someone special.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
Survival bracelets and key chains are very trendy with the outdoor crowd, not only as must-have survival gear, but also as accent pieces. I wanted to create a crocheted keychain for stocking stuffers using para cord to double as a survival tool as well, for all the guys at Christmas time. I give credit to Planet June for my I-cord inspiration and pattern source.

I adapted her tutorial to serve as the basis for my survival keychain. Visit her YouTube Tutorial if you get stuck or just need an extra example of how the keychain should look. I hope you enjoy creating and giving your special guy a crocheted survival keychain!

Row 1: In second chain from hook, pull up a loop on the hook. (You now have 2 loops on your hook.) In third chain from hook, pull up a loop on the hook. (You should now have 3 loops on your hook.)

Row 2: Carefully remove 2 loops from hook, leaving them pulled up through chains.I like to hold my two loops so as not to accidentally pull them back out.With 1stloop on the hook, ch 1. Pick up 2nd loop onto hook, ch 1. Pick up 3rdloop onto hook, ch1. You should now have 3 loops on your hook again.

Row 3: Remove 2 loops from hook, leaving them pulled up through chains. With 1stloop on hook, ch 1. Pick up 2ndloop onto hook, ch1. Pick up 3rdloop onto hook, ch1. Again, you should have 3 loops on your hook.

Repeat Row 3 until you have approximately 6 inches of I-cord pattern or until you have your desired length. (I ended with 15 rows = 6 inches of I-cord.) The I-cord should begin to curve a bit as you add length, forming a “cord” shape.

Finishby chaining 1 through all 3 loops on hook. Ch1 again. Tie a nice tight knot or weave in ends.

Note: I burn or singe the ends of my para cord to keep it from unraveling.

To use, slide end loops onto a key ring (I used a 2 inch key ring).

Extra Info:

6” of I-cord = approx. 9’ of para cord

8” of I-cord = approx. 12’ of para cord

Para cord can be found at some Army surplus stores, Outdoor Recreation/Camping Gear stores, craft stores and many places online. My local Army surplus and Outdoor Gear stores mostly carry black or dark green colors. However, I have purchased some fun colors from online sources at very reasonable prices, (usually in bulk for the best price per foot.) I even spotted some in smaller quantities at Michael's last week. Try crocheting some in team colors, neon colors, and my personal favorite: pink!

I originally designed the hat for my sons as both were begging for
"turtle masks." The my youngest son pestered me for matching gloves too. The pattern
includes sizes Child to Adults...so basically everyone in the whole
family can look like an adolescent cartoon/movie fanatic!

I originally designed this hat for my sons as both were begging for "turtle masks." Then, my oldest son said "Why can't you just make it hat that looks like a mask?" Bingo! Inspiration struck. The pattern includes sizes 12 months to Adults...so basically everyone in the whole family can look like an adolescent cartoon/movie fanatic!

If you do purchase the pattern I would love an honest review of the pattern and shop.

If you don't have an Etsy account, or have never shopped on Etsy...

I highly recommend you visit. Soon. Because there are huge amounts of cuteness and unique products just waiting for you. You can find everything from vintage lamps to wooden iPad stands. And everything in between. I also like to lurk on Etsy just to get inspiration for new ideas or designs for my crochet.

Alright. I've plugged my new Etsy shop listing and imposed on your time long enough! Here's the url just in case it's easier for you to find:

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)

If your toesies are cold, crochet a festive pair of candy corn slippers to keep your feet cozy! My candy corn slipper pattern is simple to crochet and I know you will love the warm results as much as I do. Crochet a pair to wear or share, just in time for Halloween and the harvest season. This pattern will fit size 8 – 9 shoe.

Note: For a larger sized slipper, continue repeating Row 9 to desired
length (shoe size); and increase scs in brown around top of slipper
evenly. For a smaller slipper, decrease number of rows after Row 9, and
decrease number of scs in brown color around top of slipper evenly.

Sewing Heel
Turn slipper inside out, so that when you sew up heel the seam is hidden (tucked in) when finished.
Fold Slipper in half so that heel lines up with 9 sts on each side facing each other.
With yarn needle, use tail to sew up heel seam. (See image.) Finish, weave ends.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
Create an adorable candy corn shaped hat for your little one to wear on Halloween, or even for a fun photo shoot prop. This free crochet pattern is adorable for fall, and works up in 1 – 2 hours, depending on your speed. I created a matching pair for my girlfriend’s twin girls and the hats received a sweet response. Trick or treating with your baby, sporting this quirky hat will make for a memorable Halloween. The pattern is laid out for size 3 – 6 months. See my notes at the bottom for making a smaller or larger version.

Instructions:
Yellow
Ch 60. Careful not to twist ch, join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 1. Sc in each ch around. At end of rnd DO NOT join. Work in continuous rnds. (Do not join at end of rounds throughout pattern.
Rnd 2 – 8: Sc in each st around. (Piece should measure about 2” wide.)

Optional Edge:
Find starting place on edge of hat. Sl st to join at first ch sp. Sk 1 sp, 5 dc in next sp, sk 1 sp, *sl st to next sp, sk 1 sp, 5 dc in next sp, sk 1 sp, sl st to next sp; repeat from * around 11 times (for a total of 12 shells). Finish, weave ends.

Notes:To make a smaller hat (0 – 3 months), decrease starting chain to 50 and follow the decreasing pattern beginning with Rnd 9. Your rounds will decrease in scs according to how many times you repeat the decrease. To make a larger hat (6 – 12 months), increase starting chain to 70 and follow the decreasing pattern beginning with Rnd 9. Your rounds will decrease in scs according to how many times you repeat the decrease.For example, in Rnd 9 the decrease pattern repeats 6 times. (60 – 6 = 54 scs) In Rnd 10, it also repeats 6 times, so you should have 6 fewer scs. (54 – 6 = 48 scs)

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.)
Add candy corn fun to your fall festivities with my free crochet pattern for a Kids Candy Corn Beanie! Crochet this quirky cute hat for your kiddo to wear or share with a friend. This beanie pattern is easy and ideal for beginners. It works up in an evening and the result is darling and fun. Use my notes section to create a smaller or larger version for babies or adults too. This beanie fits a child ages 4 - 10 years, approximately.

Notes:For a longer length or to add a little slouch, continue repeating Rnd 10 to desired length.To make a smaller hat, stop increasing pattern at Rnd 6 or 7 and skip to Rnd 10, continuing with the number of stitches you created in previous round.To make a larger hat, continue increasing pattern after Rnd 8 a few more rounds until desired diameter is achieved. Then continue from Rnd 10 (with the same number of stitches as last increase round) until desired length is achieved.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

(This pattern originally appeared online at Craftown.com. Copyrights have now reverted to me, the designer.) Fun, fast and fashionable – this crocodile stitch bracelet is perfect to accessorize your wardrobe. Create this fun crocheted piece of jewelry and keep to show off or give as a gift to a friend. Crochet one in any color or even ombre/variegated yarns for some real color pop. Increase or decrease the number of crocodile stitches to crochet different sized bracelets. They look snazzy on any wrist!